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Home | Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten (err Seven) Best Sequels Ever – Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten (err Seven) Best Sequels Ever – Top Ten Tuesday

September 24, 2013 - Updated May 7, 2019 // 43 Comments

TTTlogo

Top Ten Tuesday, as  always, is hosted at my other blog — The Broke & the Bookish

This week’s topic: Top Ten (seven) Best Sequels EVER

 

This one is tricky for me. I already told you about my list of shame (aka all the series I started but have never finished) so I don’t actually have A TON of sequels to choose from here so this list will only be 7. But THESE…let me tell YOU..they are the best of the best!! There were some other sequels that I LIKED but they were not THE BEST EVER.

best YA sequelsTTTtwo

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi: This sequel drew me in even more with its explosiveness and the sexiness of it. Everything was heightened — the tension, the romance, the emotions. OMG SO GOOD.

Through The Ever Night by Veronica Rossi: I really enjoyed Under the Never Sky BUT OMG Through The Ever Night bumped this up to one of my favorite series of all times. I love everything about it — especially the characters. I’ve gotten so many of my friends into this series because I CANNOT SHUT UP ABOUT IT. It just gets better and better the further you get into it!

Envy by Elizabeth Miles: This series is one of the most underrated in my opinion. Fury was good but Envy just blew book 1 away.

Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty: The LOLS kept coming and I felt more in love with Jessica and Marcus. JD will forever be my spirit animal.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins: I read this during a readathon and I FLEW through this one and I didn’t think this would ever be as good as The Hunger Games was but HOT DAMN IT WAS.

Duets/Companion Novels (not series but contain two books)

AKA THE GAYLE FORMAN SHOW

Just One Year by Gayle Forman: GOOD GOD. I still can’t get over this one.
Where She Went by Gayle Forman: I think I’m one of the few that loved WSW more than If I Stay..which is saying a lot because I LOVED If I Stay.

So tell me…which sequels have been your favorite? Do you agree with any of mine? Disagree? If you know which series I’ve been reading..which sequels do I need to hurry up and read??

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Filed Under: Top Ten Tuesday Tagged With: lists, Top ten list, Top Ten Tuesday

About Jamie

Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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  1. marissa | Rae Gun Ramblings says

    September 24, 2013 at 12:18 am

    I did where she went too. I was so so close to putting unravel me!
    My Top Ten

    Reply
  2. Sara @ Just Another Story says

    September 24, 2013 at 12:24 am

    I have never been as impatient for a book as I am for Just One Year. SO excited. Catching Fire also made it onto my list this week. It really was a good book.

    ~Sara @ Just Another Story

    Reply
  3. Cait says

    September 24, 2013 at 12:36 am

    Catching Fire was great, hunger games was my favourite series so far. I love the blog set up too btw looks great! Here is my list: http://caitstruelife.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-best-sequels-ever/

    Reply
  4. Alexia @ Adventures in Reading says

    September 24, 2013 at 12:44 am

    Unravel Me was AMAZING. I actually thought it was better than Shatter Me. Oh and TOTALLY agree with Catching Fire. I still think that was the best book of the Hunger Games trilogy.

    Reply
  5. Melissa @ Writer Grrl Reads says

    September 24, 2013 at 12:47 am

    Unravel Me was awesome, as was Through The Ever Night …. So excited for the final books in both series!!

    Reply
  6. Bekka @ Pretty Deadly Reviews says

    September 24, 2013 at 12:47 am

    *hides*
    I have read a grand total of ONE of these books – Catching Fire (which made my list!) Also, I read If I Stay but I really, really disliked it, so I never continued on to Where She Went.
    I’m like you in that I am THE WORST when it comes to finishing or being up to date with series. I’m so far behind on so many of them 🙁

    Reply
  7. Chrissi Reads says

    September 24, 2013 at 12:50 am

    Catching Fire and Unravel Me are on my list this week too. I think they were such brilliant second books. I also had a similar problem with this list this week. I have too many series unfinished! Oops.

    Reply
  8. Alyssa @ Swept Away By Books says

    September 24, 2013 at 1:41 am

    Through The Ever Night! Loved it even more then UTNS. I have been dying to read Shatter me and the rest of her series so i’ll get to it. And If I Stay and Where She Went are high on my tbr still!

    My Top Ten

    Reply
  9. Shannon says

    September 24, 2013 at 2:00 am

    I can not wait for Just One Year. Gayle Forman is an excellent author .

    Reply
  10. Wendy @ Wensend.com says

    September 24, 2013 at 3:59 am

    I don’t think I can think of 10 best sequels haha. I’m soooo bad at reading series

    Reply
  11. kimberlyfaye says

    September 24, 2013 at 5:24 am

    Unravel Me and Where She Went made my list too. 🙂 I am not-so-patiently waiting on Just One Year.

    My TTT.

    Reply
  12. Mel@thedailyprophecy says

    September 24, 2013 at 6:13 am

    Catching fire is my favorite book from THG (especially because of Finnick! :D) I really liked the environment and I found it much more spectacular than THG.

    I can’t believe I still haven’t read Shatter me..

    Mel@thedailyprophecy.

    Reply
  13. Cate says

    September 24, 2013 at 8:25 am

    I also had a hard time coming up with ten sequels. I think because I am so excited to read so many different stories, that it takes a lot for me to stick around for the same characters! I agree with you about Catching Fire (I think it was the best in the trilogy!).

    Reply
  14. Kristen@My Friends Are Fiction says

    September 24, 2013 at 8:41 am

    I’ve not read Just One Day yet! I need to because I see so many people loving it. I’m not a huge fan of Contemporary but this one might be worth it. I loved Catching Fire too and have it on my list too.
    My Friends Are Fiction’s Top Ten Tuesday

    Reply
  15. Anya says

    September 24, 2013 at 8:42 am

    Hehe I totally hear you about not reading many sequels, I just get distracted by all the new first books! Through the Ever Night is on my list too though, omg loved that one!

    My TTT

    Reply
  16. Stephanie B says

    September 24, 2013 at 9:01 am

    I seriously can’t decide if I like The Hunger Games or Catching Fire more. But Catching Fire definitely made it to my list too. Love that book so much.

    Reply
  17. Ula @ Blog of Erised says

    September 24, 2013 at 9:12 am

    Catching Fire made my list as well, the rest are still on my reading pile. 🙂

    My TTT

    Reply
  18. Tiff @ Mostly YA Lit says

    September 24, 2013 at 9:28 am

    I have Where She Went on my list, too – I also loved it way more than If I Stay. Second Helpings is also on my list – the ultimate sequel.

    I’m still waiting to read Just One Year (and slowly melting into a puddle of nothing because I don’t have it yet…)

    Must get to those Veronica Rossi novels…

    I loved Catching Fire so much as well…but my husband was very annoyed by it. He thought it was a total rehash of The Hunger Games, and I was like, “Are you kidding? She just heightened the whole thing by, like, a THOUSAND!!!”

    Reply
  19. April says

    September 24, 2013 at 9:34 am

    Great list. I have Unravel Me on my list as well. I haven’t gotten around to reading Through the Ever Night, but it’s on my TBR List.

    My TTT

    Reply
  20. LLN says

    September 24, 2013 at 10:17 am

    Ooh can’t wait for just one year. I couldn’t think of tn either but here’s my list: http://wp.me/p36jwx-aT

    Reply
  21. Rachel says

    September 24, 2013 at 10:25 am

    I’m totally with you on Through the Ever Night and Unravel Me. And girllll I am so jealous you got to read Just One Year. I WANT.

    Reply
  22. Jennifer aka YA Book Nerd says

    September 24, 2013 at 10:31 am

    I forgot about Catching Fire 🙁 LOVED that one.
    Great idea with companion novels – fun list!

    Reply
  23. DeAnna @ Mommy's Reading Break says

    September 24, 2013 at 11:00 am

    Great list! I’m behind on several of these series, but we still have a couple in common! Here’s my list: http://mommysreadingbreak.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/top-ten-eight-best-sequels-ever/

    Reply
  24. Ginger @ GReads! says

    September 24, 2013 at 11:07 am

    I am not surprised to see that our lists are similar. Gayle Forman is like the QUEEN of companion/sequels.

    Reply
  25. Rebecca @ The Library Canary says

    September 24, 2013 at 11:58 am

    Unravel Me! And Through the Ever Night was amazing! I love that series! Can’t wait for the last one. I still need to read Gayle Forman… I’m going to get on it eventually, I swear! Catching Fire didn’t quite make my list, but it was also a really great sequel!

    Reply
  26. Jacque says

    September 24, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    Catching Fire is the only book on your list that I have read, but several are still on my TBR list. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed them.

    Here is my link: http://jacquesbooknook.blogspot.fr/2013/09/top-ten-tuesday-best-sequels-ever.html

    Reply
  27. kimberlybuggie says

    September 24, 2013 at 12:45 pm

    I am insanely jealous you have read Just One Year already. That is awesome. Oh, and it’s like amazing? 🙂 I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Great list. Happy TTT.
    My TTT

    Reply
  28. Rachel says

    September 24, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    So happy to find someone who also liked Envy!!!!!! Eternity is awesome too!

    Reply
  29. leydylaura says

    September 24, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    I can’t wait for Just One Year!

    We are doing a Fall Giveaway. Click here to enter – Ghost Time by Courtney Eldridge and 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil. Perfect for the season!

    Leydy @ OUaT & Redcarpetendings

    Reply
  30. Mary @ Mary Had a Little Book Blog says

    September 24, 2013 at 4:01 pm

    Definite yes to Unravel Me and Through the Ever Night. They were both completely amazing. Catching Fire and Hunger Games continually switch places for me. Sometimes I like one better, sometimes the other. As much as I love Gayle Forman, though, I really enjoyed the first books of both duologies better. I still adore WSW and JOY, though. Witnessing Adam and Willem find themselves–and their ladies–was magical. Great list!

    My TTT

    Reply
  31. Rachel says

    September 24, 2013 at 4:21 pm

    If I would’ve done companion novels, I totally would’ve put LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR on my list; have you read that one? And big yeses to UNRAVEL ME and CATCHING FIRE! And I still need to read UNDER THE NEVER SKY, JUST ONE DAY, and IF I STAY!

    Rachel @ Beauty and the Bookshelf

    Reply
  32. Daphne says

    September 24, 2013 at 8:06 pm

    I love WSW & Catching Fire more than the first books, too. Can’t wait to read JOD/JOY, now that JOY is out. 🙂 and YAY for Jessica Darling! loved that series, though I would have picked Perfect Fifths b/c of Marcus’ POV. 🙂

    Reply
  33. Leticia says

    September 25, 2013 at 12:33 am

    Catching Fire was by far my favorite of the Hunger Games trilogy! I haven’t read any of the others. But I AM glad I could at least comment. : )

    Reply
  34. KM says

    September 25, 2013 at 6:25 am

    I totally loved WHERE SHE WENT more than IF I STAY, so you’re not the only one. 😀

    Reply
  35. Betty says

    September 25, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    Loving these 7 doyke. Still can’t believe I have yet to read Megan McCafferty! Epic fail, I know.

    Reply
  36. Alisa Selene says

    September 25, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    Unravel Me was the best sequel I have read..like it mor than Shatter Me!

    Reply
  37. Ellice Y says

    September 25, 2013 at 7:06 pm

    I have noticed that Gayle Forman made A LOT of people’s lists. I need to get busy reading her books! (I own If I Stay and Just One Day… I have NO EXCUSE. haha).

    Yes, Catching Fire was an awesome sequel! I like to pretend like it was the last book in the series (even though it ends on a massive cliffhanger. haha). I just can’t handle what happens to poor Peeta in Mockingjay!!

    Reply
  38. Britt says

    September 25, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    Nice list. I’m horrible at following through a series too, that’s why I tend to binge read them. Unravel Me though. OH! Love it so much!!!!!

    Reply
  39. Hannah @ So Obsessed With says

    September 25, 2013 at 9:18 pm

    YAYYY! We have four of the same books on our lists, and I STILL can’t believe I forgot Catching Fire on mine. I obviously wasn’t thinking clearly!

    Reply
  40. Brittany @ The Book Addict's Guide says

    September 26, 2013 at 9:58 am

    Hellllll yes to Through the Ever Night! I think I loved it even more than the first!
    I LOVE the Gayle Forman show!! I’m so excited to read Just One Year. I’m just re-reading Just One Day before I do and then soooo excited!

    Reply
  41. Molli says

    September 26, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    omggggggg unravel me BROKE ME and BLEW ME AWAY. gah.

    I am still trying to work up the courage to read Where She Went. True story.

    Reply
  42. Karen says

    September 27, 2013 at 11:45 pm

    I totally agree with these books! Where She Went literally blew me away, it was amazing!

    Reply
  43. She Reads says

    October 2, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    I totally love “Where She Went” more than “If I Stay”. Of course you can’t have the sequel with out the first book, but seeing it from Adam’s point of view, man, that hooked me so hard and fast my head spun. I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I was listening to “Where She Went”. I can’t say that about “If I Stay”. Just found your blog and love it! Thanks!

    Reply

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Elder millennial. Cries a lot, always down a rabbit hole.
Blogger since 2010👇

A book recommendation for all my historical fictio A book recommendation for all my historical fiction readers - The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. My holy grail historical author came through for me again. I can’t express how much I cared for and was pulled into the lives of these women living in a boardinghouse in DC during the McCarthy era just as much as I was racing to find out what happened in this house. The tension mounted as we got to what actually happened?? Masterful. Truly. #historicalfiction #bookrec #bookrecommendation #historicalfictionbooks @williammorrowbooks
Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Day and hit up new faves @maveybooks and what used to be my second home when I lived closer @childrensbookworld which was so nice to be back home 🥹🥹

Book shopping is great but I can’t express how incredible building community is and indie bookshops do just that. I always wanted my own version of Cheers and, while not a bar where everybody knows my name, CBW was that place for me for almost a decade when I built community by going to YA book events there and moderating events. And while I am not able to get there as often as I was before I became a mom and we moved further away, It’s been so special to be able to share this beloved space with Riley.

These indie bookshops are so vital to our communities and I know everyone’s situation is different so this isn’t to shame but That Website can’t replace what can be created in these book spaces. Shop local when you are able! #indiebookshop #bookshop #bookshopping #independentbookstore
Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technic Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technically ATMOSPHERE but I feel like between my stories and my dedicated post to it, I’d rather talk about the book I read before it but didn’t update y’all on.

The Trouble With Anna — I enjoyed this delightful little historical romance about a heroine who is carving out her independence only to find out, when her grandfather dies, that he tied her inheritance/future to marrying her best friend’s brother — a not-so-happy surprise for both of them. I could understand why they both had some guardness/walls up and I enjoyed watching them slowly start to lower them.

Mayhem and the Mortal - I’m not too far into this romantic fantasy but it is one of my most anticipated that came out last month and I’m excited to dig in more.

Hamnet — I know, I know. For April I decided not to make a traditional TBR list of books I wanted to read but instead give myself some prompts to guide my reading (bc I’m overwhelmed with all my choices at hand) without feeling rigid. One of the prompts was to read a book I HAD TO BUY but is still unread. So going to finally get to it. Have you read this one or watched the movie?

What are you currently reading?
I had been waiting for the perfect time to read th I had been waiting for the perfect time to read this one after Random House sent me a finished copy as TJR is a longtime auto-buy author.  I found myself caught up in all the space joy and wonder and feeling quite parasocial about the Artemis crew...I decided now was the time.

I had no idea what I was getting into.

I hadn’t really known what it was about but I didn’t really need to given its TJR & the fact it was 1980s NASA & astronauts.

But this book was about love to me - romantic love, platonic love, familial love, love for something bigger than yourself, love for the person you are & are becoming, love in the face of obstacles, love for what lights you up.

Having been invested in real life astronauts & their journey lately really made this book even more vivid to me — seeing the bonds of the crew so deeply, feeling the fragility that exists while they are doing this wondrous & crazy thing that often still boggles my mind that we can do.

And, hardest to put into words, that feeling of awe in the expansive nature & capabilities of love & the universe that I felt when a husband named a crater after his late wife which doubly helped me understand how Joan & Vanessa felt looking back at earth.

It made me sob & feel everything about being a human so deeply basically from that Frances/Joan phone call at 86% of the way through until the final words. Like could not breathe.

*might be a tiny bit spoilery so beware:

I think the way she wrote this was so impactful bc we start out knowing something bad happens &it’s not even that far when we know that some of them def won’t make it back & some are alive in peril.

I was like “oof” when *it* happens early on. But each and every chapter where we learn more about these ppl & their relationships felt agonizing & I was retroactively grieving for them more deeply every turn of the page.

The hurt and grief just compounds from a moment that was sad from the jump to something that had dug in deep to me.

To know what happens right before this mission makes the mission control bits even more excruciating. Makes the peril a character is in hit even harder than just “oh that must be scary!”. 

I loved it. I needed it bad.
The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being m The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being my reading whims, quirks and troubles.

Interesting things:

1. January started out rough. I only read 1 physical book and leaned very heavy into audiobooks only. At first it was distressing that my brain -thanks to current events and their effect on my mind - couldn’t work out how to sit down and read with my eyeballs but I was like…let’s just roll with it and wait for it to pass. So I waited and enjoyed a ton of audiobooks.

2. I don’t think I’ve ever read so many thrillers and mysteries in a quarter. It’s a genre I love but I’m normally quite more balanced. However, it’s what I was craving and what my brain was tolerating so…I just went with it.

3. I have always been a reader led by my moods (both how I feel reading wise and personally). This quarter was FERAL. Like the most feral mood reading ever. I couldn’t even categorize it. I’d decide on one book enthusiastically and suddenly I was like…absolutely not that.

4. I read way less fantasy than normal which was WEIRD but I felt like I also wasn’t surprised given my brain space.

5. I really started to resent people even more who said “it’s a book account stop talking about politics etc”. Babe, I’m a human who gives a shit but ALSO this has and always been an account of MY reading life. And my reading life was profoundly affected by the things that were going on in this country. Like they have been before - whether it’s been current events or things like having a kid, being depressed, slumps, etc.

6. I return to the fact that, for me, I am happiest when I pay attention to my reading whims. The end of the month I had a very specific reading mood (wanted time travel element but not a heavy time travel book) and I decided to pick up A Rip Through Time at the end of the month and I’m now halfway through book 4. Having the best time ever!!! 

Anyways, tell me how your reading life was in Q1! Fave books? Biggest surprises??
New historical fiction books on my radar for April New historical fiction books on my radar for April and I feel like there is quite a bit of variety. Any of these on your TBR? #historicalfictionbooks #historicalfiction #newbookrelease #newbookreleases
Being someone who reads based on their ever shifti Being someone who reads based on their ever shifting reading moods (sometimes very feral) makes library holds and tbrs very hard. It’s the worst when 5 weeks ago I would have gobbled the library hold up but now when the hold comes in I’m like…I think not. #readersofinstagram #readerproblems #librarylife #librarybooks #moodreader
I love when I just absolutely nail it on the first I love when I just absolutely nail it on the first try when trying to satisfy a super specific reading mood - Kelley Armstrong’s A Rip Through Time definitely nailed what I wanted. Time travel but didn’t really want too time travely…just more of a vibe or catalyst for some fun. If you love a good mystery, some time travel shenanigans and a great cast of characters, I highly recommend this book. #bookrec #bookrecommendation #bookreview #mysterybooks #historicalmystery #kelleyarmstrong
🌸 Some romances on my personal radar for April. 🌸 🌸 Some romances on my personal radar for April. 🌸

Beyond excited for a new Kate Clayborn, Kasie west, rainbow Rowell, Jenn Bennett and Beth O’Leary - I’ve enjoyed these authors in the past.

My historical loving heart is most excited for The Duke and How To Fake It In Society.

I love an emotional romance so The Art of Loving You is high on my list plus I’ve heard great things about this author.

I’m intrigued by Fast Lane especially since it’s being adapted for a tv series. I’m seeing comparisons to Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series which I did love!

Which new romance books are piquing your interest or are on your TBR? #romancebooks #newbooks #romancebooktok #romancereader
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Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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A book recommendation for all my historical fictio A book recommendation for all my historical fiction readers - The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. My holy grail historical author came through for me again. I can’t express how much I cared for and was pulled into the lives of these women living in a boardinghouse in DC during the McCarthy era just as much as I was racing to find out what happened in this house. The tension mounted as we got to what actually happened?? Masterful. Truly. #historicalfiction #bookrec #bookrecommendation #historicalfictionbooks @williammorrowbooks
Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Day and hit up new faves @maveybooks and what used to be my second home when I lived closer @childrensbookworld which was so nice to be back home 🥹🥹

Book shopping is great but I can’t express how incredible building community is and indie bookshops do just that. I always wanted my own version of Cheers and, while not a bar where everybody knows my name, CBW was that place for me for almost a decade when I built community by going to YA book events there and moderating events. And while I am not able to get there as often as I was before I became a mom and we moved further away, It’s been so special to be able to share this beloved space with Riley.

These indie bookshops are so vital to our communities and I know everyone’s situation is different so this isn’t to shame but That Website can’t replace what can be created in these book spaces. Shop local when you are able! #indiebookshop #bookshop #bookshopping #independentbookstore
Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technic Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technically ATMOSPHERE but I feel like between my stories and my dedicated post to it, I’d rather talk about the book I read before it but didn’t update y’all on.

The Trouble With Anna — I enjoyed this delightful little historical romance about a heroine who is carving out her independence only to find out, when her grandfather dies, that he tied her inheritance/future to marrying her best friend’s brother — a not-so-happy surprise for both of them. I could understand why they both had some guardness/walls up and I enjoyed watching them slowly start to lower them.

Mayhem and the Mortal - I’m not too far into this romantic fantasy but it is one of my most anticipated that came out last month and I’m excited to dig in more.

Hamnet — I know, I know. For April I decided not to make a traditional TBR list of books I wanted to read but instead give myself some prompts to guide my reading (bc I’m overwhelmed with all my choices at hand) without feeling rigid. One of the prompts was to read a book I HAD TO BUY but is still unread. So going to finally get to it. Have you read this one or watched the movie?

What are you currently reading?
I had been waiting for the perfect time to read th I had been waiting for the perfect time to read this one after Random House sent me a finished copy as TJR is a longtime auto-buy author.  I found myself caught up in all the space joy and wonder and feeling quite parasocial about the Artemis crew...I decided now was the time.

I had no idea what I was getting into.

I hadn’t really known what it was about but I didn’t really need to given its TJR & the fact it was 1980s NASA & astronauts.

But this book was about love to me - romantic love, platonic love, familial love, love for something bigger than yourself, love for the person you are & are becoming, love in the face of obstacles, love for what lights you up.

Having been invested in real life astronauts & their journey lately really made this book even more vivid to me — seeing the bonds of the crew so deeply, feeling the fragility that exists while they are doing this wondrous & crazy thing that often still boggles my mind that we can do.

And, hardest to put into words, that feeling of awe in the expansive nature & capabilities of love & the universe that I felt when a husband named a crater after his late wife which doubly helped me understand how Joan & Vanessa felt looking back at earth.

It made me sob & feel everything about being a human so deeply basically from that Frances/Joan phone call at 86% of the way through until the final words. Like could not breathe.

*might be a tiny bit spoilery so beware:

I think the way she wrote this was so impactful bc we start out knowing something bad happens &it’s not even that far when we know that some of them def won’t make it back & some are alive in peril.

I was like “oof” when *it* happens early on. But each and every chapter where we learn more about these ppl & their relationships felt agonizing & I was retroactively grieving for them more deeply every turn of the page.

The hurt and grief just compounds from a moment that was sad from the jump to something that had dug in deep to me.

To know what happens right before this mission makes the mission control bits even more excruciating. Makes the peril a character is in hit even harder than just “oh that must be scary!”. 

I loved it. I needed it bad.
The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being m The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being my reading whims, quirks and troubles.

Interesting things:

1. January started out rough. I only read 1 physical book and leaned very heavy into audiobooks only. At first it was distressing that my brain -thanks to current events and their effect on my mind - couldn’t work out how to sit down and read with my eyeballs but I was like…let’s just roll with it and wait for it to pass. So I waited and enjoyed a ton of audiobooks.

2. I don’t think I’ve ever read so many thrillers and mysteries in a quarter. It’s a genre I love but I’m normally quite more balanced. However, it’s what I was craving and what my brain was tolerating so…I just went with it.

3. I have always been a reader led by my moods (both how I feel reading wise and personally). This quarter was FERAL. Like the most feral mood reading ever. I couldn’t even categorize it. I’d decide on one book enthusiastically and suddenly I was like…absolutely not that.

4. I read way less fantasy than normal which was WEIRD but I felt like I also wasn’t surprised given my brain space.

5. I really started to resent people even more who said “it’s a book account stop talking about politics etc”. Babe, I’m a human who gives a shit but ALSO this has and always been an account of MY reading life. And my reading life was profoundly affected by the things that were going on in this country. Like they have been before - whether it’s been current events or things like having a kid, being depressed, slumps, etc.

6. I return to the fact that, for me, I am happiest when I pay attention to my reading whims. The end of the month I had a very specific reading mood (wanted time travel element but not a heavy time travel book) and I decided to pick up A Rip Through Time at the end of the month and I’m now halfway through book 4. Having the best time ever!!! 

Anyways, tell me how your reading life was in Q1! Fave books? Biggest surprises??
New historical fiction books on my radar for April New historical fiction books on my radar for April and I feel like there is quite a bit of variety. Any of these on your TBR? #historicalfictionbooks #historicalfiction #newbookrelease #newbookreleases
Being someone who reads based on their ever shifti Being someone who reads based on their ever shifting reading moods (sometimes very feral) makes library holds and tbrs very hard. It’s the worst when 5 weeks ago I would have gobbled the library hold up but now when the hold comes in I’m like…I think not. #readersofinstagram #readerproblems #librarylife #librarybooks #moodreader

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